Just When You Think You've Seen Every Possible Way To Alter A Matchbox....

.....Someone, aka Lorraine, creates the incredible!

I have to tell you I am absolutely in love with this piece.

We're doing a Secret Santa Advent Matchbox Swap in my Flickr Group and because I'm the hostess my Santa can't be so secret. When you receive something so over-the-top wonderful, who cares!
The swap guidelines were to use 2 matchboxes in any way you wish. But who would ever believe a Christmas chalet complete with glitter, snow and a bottle brush tree?

We also filled our boxes with 25 wrapped little gifts, one to open each day in December until Christmas.
How much fun is it going to be to open these?

I've saved the best for last. See the holes punched in the house?Lorraine included a flickering tea candle to tuck inside. Though my camera doesn't capture it, that little touch makes this the most magical Christmas creation ever!
Big holiday hugs & kisses to my talented friend Lorraine!

I'm Dreaming of a......

Happy White Wednesday and my first Christmas post of the season!
I'm sharing a victorian cone (with just a touch of whimsy) ornament that I made for a special swap sister in our
Bloggerette Sorority Ornament Exchange.

The cone is covered with Warm & Natural then smothered in loads of antique crocheted lace. Mercedes is a "pink" girl so I added a bit of pink and rose with a fabric flower, tulle and seam binding.

Tucked into the inside tulle is an adorable little winter faerie
and if you look closely you'll see she's holding an invitation to the Midnight Christmas Faerie Ball.

And what better way to conclude White Wednesdaythan to share this wonderful white turkey vintage postcard.
Wishing each of you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.
I do count you among my blessings.

A Little Thanksgiving Love

Enjoy!

An Early Holiday Gift

Just in time for the holidays, artist & instructor, Lesley Venable is offering some amazing and very affordable online classes.
For someone on a tight budget like myself, this is a true holiday gift!

BUNDLE OF CREATIVITY #1 - $5.00
1. Collage Backgrounds - Layering, Textures, Composition and More
2. Embellished Tags - Using fabric, images, ephemera, found objects. Use your sewing machine or your glue.
3. Composition Journals - We will take a cheap notebook and create a beautiful journal for you to keep or give as gifts.

BUNDLE OF CREATIVITY #2 - $10.00
All of the above classes plus.....
4) Mail Art - Creating unusual envelopes and mailers to send to your friends and family.
5) Fabric Flowers - Easy way to create fabric flowers to adorn your gifts, jewelry or other art projects.

I gave myself an early Christmas gift! Maybe you will too? Click HERE if you think you might like to join me. Classes begin November 15th.

Yes, it is time to start thinking Christmas. I've been working on holiday swaps this morning but please indulge me in one last Halloween post...
This beautiful gothic arch and all the ephemera goodies are from my creative and sweet friend, Martina. She hosted a giveaway and I was one of the lucky winners.

Martina was also a lucky lady in October, when she was drawn in the monthly Winner Takes All in our Vintage Photo Images Yahoo Group. Everyone who entered created an ATC for Martina. I hope you stop by and see all the amazing cards she received. This is the card I sent.

My name was also pulled from wonderful Wendy's cauldron of ATC's
and I can now include Batty as a favorite in my Halloween ATC collection.

Back to the holiday work table.....

Lots of Wonderful Blog Happenings!

If you've never visited Trash to Treasure Art then you're in for a real treat. If you have, then you know you want to stop by and give Lynn a little love.
She's inspired us, challenged us and now in honor of 3 years of blogging she's hosting a very special giveaway.



Thanks Lynn! Keep on creating, and please, keep on blogging!

Another dear, extremely talented and gracious friend of mine is hosting a fun giveaway. And believe me, when Kim cleans out her stash, the winnings are phenomenal!
Visit Kim at Tabby's Place, where you might be a...

Early this past fall I stumbled upon an etsy shop that had some of the most beautiful fabric pumpkins. I purchased a set, now proudly displayed in my living room, and quickly became a follower of Becky's blog.
You have to visit Junk To Joy and enter Becky's amazing giveaway.

Happy blog-hopping and good luck!

Happy Halloween!

Thank you all for a most magical & enchanting season!

Tea Anyone?

Welcome to Dragonfly Manor and my Halloween Tea.

The butler would be happy
to hang your hat

Please make yourself comfortable. Park your broom if you like and feel free to kick off your shoes. Those pointy toes are killer, aren't they?

Did I mention it's a pumpkin themed tea this year?

Fae brought a darling baby boo...

But don't worry if you don't have one! Many of the guests arrived without.

Charlotte is a sweet little witch but quite forgetful

and the Skellington's always come empty-handed.


I'm not even certain who this masked character is but he must be an invited guest. That's a charming pumpkin made of seeds that he's touting!

But as I said, don't worry if you've come without. There are plenty to go around,

in all styles

and colors

and sizes

and settings

why, at Dragonfly Manor, they even grow on trees!


So sit back and enjoy the ambience,
for there are treats,
enough for all.

And where are my manners? Would you care for a spot of tea?



Many thanks to Anna for the inspiration, challenge and invitation to be part of this magical Halloween event.
I never would have shared pictures of my holiday home in such a creative way. It was an interesting process as I had no story in mind whatsoever. After taking pictures around my house, I built the tea around them.
So thank you Anna! It was a fun journey!

I Love My Mailman!

No, I'm not confessing some illicit affair but lately he's been pretty darn good to me!

It all began with Speckled Egg's Curiosities Matchbox Swap and this fabulous box full of goodies from
Laurie.

Followed by an equally wonderful box from
Cassie.

I then had the good fortune to win a giveaway and receive this heaven-"scent"
Cinna-Bun potpourri from Amy Jo.
( A little side note here. See those Italian-made outrageous vintage amber salt and pepper shakers? So perfect for a Halloween tablescape & a $1 estate sale score!)

Followed by another giveaway win and this absolutely adorable
Halloween cake from Natalea.

Another giveaway win?!?! Yes, this hauntingly beautiful ATC
from Laura.

To complete this whirlwind extravaganza I received the most gorgeous array of Halloween finery from my extremely talented and most generous friend, Debi.






Thank you all for these glorious October treasures! I love my blog friends!